Pacific Coast

Mexico

Acapulco Travel Guide

Situated on one of the loveliest bays on the Mexican coast,
backed by the evergreen vegetation of the Sierra foothills,
Acapulco is the Queen of Mexican beach resorts, the loudest and
most famous in the country with non-stop energy, high-rise hotels,
a glittering nightlife, white beaches and an enormous range of
holiday activities. The main attraction in Acapulco is the string
of beaches that sweep around the bay, each offering a different
atmosphere and ample opportunities for watersports, with calm
waters, sun bathing and seafront dining of international quality.
The downside of Acapulco city is the shabby, polluted and
overcrowded old town area, but it is easy enough to ignore this
side of Acapulco with plenty to keep visitors happy along the
glitzy holiday resort strip, with its shopping plazas, restaurants
and beaches. A famous Acapulco institution since the 1930s are the
Quebrada cliff divers, who pitch themselves gracefully from a
height of 148ft (45m) into the seemingly shallow water of a narrow
chasm in the ocean below after praying at the small rock shrine for
safety.

One of the pleasures of a holiday in Acapulco is shopping for
souvenirs, of which there is a plentiful, varied selection gathered
from all over Mexico. Handmade leather goods, locally made
textiles, beautiful pieces of silver jewellery, bright and lovely
ceramics, and even inspiring paintings by local artists are just
some of the things on offer in the markets, stores and beachfront
stalls. The older areas of Acapulco have a number of well-priced
tailors and quaint souvenir shops. A good spot to indulge in some
bargain hunting is the open-air artisan's mall opposite the Plaza
Bahia, where it is possible to do a little haggling for arts and
crafts. The native-made goods may be appealing, but just as
desirable for avid shoppers are the many upscale boutiques selling
well known designer labels which pepper the streets of the Zona
Dorada (Golden Zone), also dubbed Mexico's 'Sunset Boulevard'. As
far as modern malls go, Acapulco's biggest, complete with food
court and cinemas, is Le Gran Plaza, situated on the Costera.

Acapulco's scenic setting around a picturesque bay allows for
some magical and romantic dining opportunities in a multitude of
restaurants while on holiday. Cuisine of all sorts is on offer, the
quality generally very high and the prices reasonable. Some of the
best restaurants use a fusion of styles and cuisines to create
something unique and special, like the Kookaburra, with its
spectacular terrace views of Acapulco Bay, creating delicious
French dishes prepared with Mexican ingredients. Mexican seafood is
a top favourite with visitors, a fact well exploited by most
establishments, like the El Amigo Miguel off the main town square,
where delicious shrimp and grilled red snapper medleys are
specialities of the house.

Flashing lights, pumping music and boundless energy are the
characteristics of Acapulco's frenetic nightlife, which centres on
the clubs and discos of the main strip and Las Brisas. Clubs like
the renowned Palladium, where the legendary 'silver man' fire
dancer performs in the early morning hours, make Acapulco a hot
favourite destination for young spring-break revellers from the
USA. Those looking for a more Latin experience head down to Ninas,
a traditional Mexican salsa club where the locals burn up the dance
floor. For visitors interested in seeing some authentic Latin
American Salsa dancing, head to Salon Q, 'the cathedral of salsa'.
Disco Beach on Costera Aleman is well known for its popular Friday
night foam parties. Mandara up on the side of the mountain, with
its panoramic views of Acapulco by night, is one of the best places
to end your evening and wait for the sun to rise before another day
on the beach. Most of the dance clubs open at 11pm, close at 6am,
and charge a fairly steep entrance fee, but this often includes
'all you can drink'. Those taking a break from dancing can enjoy
bar-hopping along the Costera, which is lined with numerous
exuberant open-air watering holes.

On holiday it is difficult to resist the lure of Acapulco's
golden beaches, but there are numerous things to do away from the
sea and sand. Active pursuits like bungy jumping, horseriding,
mountain biking, golf on one of four great championship courses, or
tennis are available. Local operators offer popular jungle tours,
taking visitors into the Laguna de Tres Palos swamp to play at
being Tarzan among the tropical vegetation. There are numerous
other excursions on offer, from swimming with dolphins to
snorkelling expeditions, from folklore shows to sunset cruises.

There is often an oily layer on the seawater of Acapulco from
the use of jet skis. Visitors to Acapulco are strongly advised to
avoid the resort during America's spring break in mid-March as
hoards of student revellers descend on Acapulco for spring break
mayhem and partying.

Navigation

Acapulco Travel Guide

Situated on one of the loveliest bays on the Mexican coast,
backed by the evergreen vegetation of the Sierra foothills,
Acapulco is the Queen of Mexican beach resorts, the loudest and
most famous in the country with non-stop energy, high-rise hotels,
a glittering nightlife, white beaches and an enormous range of
holiday activities. The main attraction in Acapulco is the string
of beaches that sweep around the bay, each offering a different
atmosphere and ample opportunities for watersports, with calm
waters, sun bathing and seafront dining of international quality.
The downside of Acapulco city is the shabby, polluted and
overcrowded old town area, but it is easy enough to ignore this
side of Acapulco with plenty to keep visitors happy along the
glitzy holiday resort strip, with its shopping plazas, restaurants
and beaches. A famous Acapulco institution since the 1930s are the
Quebrada cliff divers, who pitch themselves gracefully from a
height of 148ft (45m) into the seemingly shallow water of a narrow
chasm in the ocean below after praying at the small rock shrine for
safety.

One of the pleasures of a holiday in Acapulco is shopping for
souvenirs, of which there is a plentiful, varied selection gathered
from all over Mexico. Handmade leather goods, locally made
textiles, beautiful pieces of silver jewellery, bright and lovely
ceramics, and even inspiring paintings by local artists are just
some of the things on offer in the markets, stores and beachfront
stalls. The older areas of Acapulco have a number of well-priced
tailors and quaint souvenir shops. A good spot to indulge in some
bargain hunting is the open-air artisan's mall opposite the Plaza
Bahia, where it is possible to do a little haggling for arts and
crafts. The native-made goods may be appealing, but just as
desirable for avid shoppers are the many upscale boutiques selling
well known designer labels which pepper the streets of the Zona
Dorada (Golden Zone), also dubbed Mexico's 'Sunset Boulevard'. As
far as modern malls go, Acapulco's biggest, complete with food
court and cinemas, is Le Gran Plaza, situated on the Costera.

Acapulco's scenic setting around a picturesque bay allows for
some magical and romantic dining opportunities in a multitude of
restaurants while on holiday. Cuisine of all sorts is on offer, the
quality generally very high and the prices reasonable. Some of the
best restaurants use a fusion of styles and cuisines to create
something unique and special, like the Kookaburra, with its
spectacular terrace views of Acapulco Bay, creating delicious
French dishes prepared with Mexican ingredients. Mexican seafood is
a top favourite with visitors, a fact well exploited by most
establishments, like the El Amigo Miguel off the main town square,
where delicious shrimp and grilled red snapper medleys are
specialities of the house.

Flashing lights, pumping music and boundless energy are the
characteristics of Acapulco's frenetic nightlife, which centres on
the clubs and discos of the main strip and Las Brisas. Clubs like
the renowned Palladium, where the legendary 'silver man' fire
dancer performs in the early morning hours, make Acapulco a hot
favourite destination for young spring-break revellers from the
USA. Those looking for a more Latin experience head down to Ninas,
a traditional Mexican salsa club where the locals burn up the dance
floor. For visitors interested in seeing some authentic Latin
American Salsa dancing, head to Salon Q, 'the cathedral of salsa'.
Disco Beach on Costera Aleman is well known for its popular Friday
night foam parties. Mandara up on the side of the mountain, with
its panoramic views of Acapulco by night, is one of the best places
to end your evening and wait for the sun to rise before another day
on the beach. Most of the dance clubs open at 11pm, close at 6am,
and charge a fairly steep entrance fee, but this often includes
'all you can drink'. Those taking a break from dancing can enjoy
bar-hopping along the Costera, which is lined with numerous
exuberant open-air watering holes.

On holiday it is difficult to resist the lure of Acapulco's
golden beaches, but there are numerous things to do away from the
sea and sand. Active pursuits like bungy jumping, horseriding,
mountain biking, golf on one of four great championship courses, or
tennis are available. Local operators offer popular jungle tours,
taking visitors into the Laguna de Tres Palos swamp to play at
being Tarzan among the tropical vegetation. There are numerous
other excursions on offer, from swimming with dolphins to
snorkelling expeditions, from folklore shows to sunset cruises.

There is often an oily layer on the seawater of Acapulco from
the use of jet skis. Visitors to Acapulco are strongly advised to
avoid the resort during America's spring break in mid-March as
hoards of student revellers descend on Acapulco for spring break
mayhem and partying.